Two Michigan hospitals, the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, and William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, have been named Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and its HMO affiliate, Blue Care Network, announced today.

Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers are medical facilities that contract with local Blue Cross Blue Shield plans and offer comprehensive inpatient cancer care programs for adults, delivered by multidisciplinary teams with subspecialty training and distinguished clinical expertise in treating complex and rare subtypes of cancer. William Beaumont and University of Michigan Hospitals were designated for:

• bladder cancer
• bone cancer
• brain cancer – primary
• esophageal cancer
• head and neck cancers
• liver cancer
• pancreatic cancer
• rectal cancer
• thyroid – medullary and/or anaplastic
• William Beaumont Hospital was also designated for soft tissue sarcomas
• University of Michigan was also designated for gastric cancer and acute leukemia

Complex and rare cancers comprise approximately 15 percent of new cancer cases each year, making it challenging for patients to locate or research facilities with oncologists or surgical teams that are experienced in treating these specific malignancies.

"Blue Distinction seeks to support consumers as they identify medical facilities that best meet their needs and ultimately help improve care for our members," said Robert Milewski, senior vice president of contracting and hospital relations for BCBSM. "This program is a national association initiative includes Blue Cross plans across the country."

"This program is part of our ongoing efforts to raise the overall quality of health care and how we can collaborate with leading hospitals and physicians to deliver care based on objective, evidence-based criteria," said Douglas R. Woll, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer of Blue Care Network.

Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers were developed in strategic collaboration with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) input from a panel of leading clinicians and professional organizations. (While not formally endorsing the designation, NCCN provided input and information.) The designation is based on rigorous, evidence-based selection criteria established in collaboration with leading clinicians, medical societies and professional organizations.The designation is focused primarily on multidisciplinary treatment planning and complex, major surgical treatments.

With this expansion of Blue Distinction centers, there are a total 780 Blue Distinction Centers nationwide in the areas of rare and complex cancers, cardiac care, transplants and bariatric surgery, including 25 Blue Distinction Centers in Michigan.

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last updated: 03/25/08

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